Racine – Surrounded by her loving family, Elizabeth “Betty” C. Blackman, 91, passed away at St. Monica’s Senior Citizen Home on Thursday, May 28, 2009. She was born in East Orange, New Jersey, on March 17, 1918, daughter of the late Joseph J. and Edna (nee: Hurley) Flood and stepmother Mary (nee: Noonan) Flood. On December 28, 1946, she was united in holy matrimony to Donald S. Blackman, of Davenport, Iowa. Betty raised and cared for her seven children. Her passion was volunteering for the benefit of the developmentally disabled. In 1971 she spearheaded the founding and development of Careers Industries, Inc., and also served as its first director. The program started with 6 clients and now serves hundreds of disabled clients throughout Racine County. She was also devoted to helping Southern Wisconsin Center; The Arc; and missionary work for Appalachia. She was a member of St. Richard’s Church, Daughters of Isabella, the Altar Society; and served as a Minister of the Cup. She devoted 25 years to many scouting programs, both as a scout, and leader. Betty enjoyed traveling and camping throughout the 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, and England. Other interests she enjoyed were sewing, needlework, quilting, and playing cards and Scrabble with her family. She is survived by her children, Stephen Blackman of Burlington, Roger Blackman of Reno, Nevada, Mary (Christopher) Johns of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Nancy (Jeffery) Konkol of Sturtevant, Alice (Cameron) Hahn of Spring Prairie, and Terry (Tom) Mikulecky of Caledonia; grandchildren, Eric Johns, Tracy Chiniewicz, Joshua, Natalie, and Carson Konkol, Alexander, Elizabeth, and Rebecca Hahn, Christopher, and Kelli Andersen; great-grandchildren, Zachary, Nicholas, and Rhiannon Chiniewicz; sister, Doris Hayes, and brother, Martin Flood; as well as other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; son, Thomas Blackman; and brothers, Jack and Joseph Flood. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Richard of Chichester Catholic Church, 1509 Grand Ave, with Rev. Ron Gramza officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church from 9:30 a.m. till the time of Mass. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia. Memorials to Careers Industries Foundation (3502 Douglas Ave. Racine, WI 53402), and St. Richard’s Church have been suggested. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Monica’s for providing a caring and loving home for Mom.
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